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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-1207 Document Submitted Adam Hanks From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Family of Dave Lewis [fishhookdavelewis@yahoo.com] Tuesday, December 07,20102:02 PM rep ashland council Adam Hanks OBJECTION TO BRAMMO PROJECT To: Mayor of Ashland,Oregon: John Stromberg Ms. Bennett Mr. Adam Hanks and- To Whom it May Concern: We are unable to attend the meeting this evening 12/7/2010 regarding the Adjustment of Contract Documents for the Brammo Project (Jefferson Street road expansion). As former residents of Clover Lane, and as representatives for David E. Lewis (deceased) who was also a former resident of Clover Lane; we respectfully submit this letter of objection. The State Public Works fund, awarded in 2007, benefits specifically and only Craig Bramscher and his Brammo Electric Motorcycle Company. This was to assist in establishing jobs for Americans in Southern Oregon. On November 9.2010 Craig Bramscher wrote: " BRAMMO HAS LIMITED RESOURCES WITH WHICH TO PURSUE EXPANSION AND JOB CREATION IN SOUTHERN OREGON. THE GRANT IS AN ESSENTIAL ELEMENT IN OUR PLANNED DEVELOPMENT AND IT WILL BE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT OR IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE COMPANY TO COMPLETE THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT WITHOUT THE BENEFIT OF THE FULL VALUE OF THE ORIGINAL GRANT. " Yet, in March of 2007; Craig Bramscher intended to privately purchase the Ashland raquet club for 2.8 million dollars to facilitate his Brammo business: " Bramscher is expanding his car-manufacturing operations on eight acres he owns behind the club in the light industrial- business park by the south Ashland interchange. He had wanted the club building for additional manufacturing space. "Not getting the building was a definite delay, a bit of a hindrance, but it's more important in the big picture to have club members supportive. I'm a long-term player (in the Ashland community) and emotionally, it was the best decision for a growing business," said Bramscher. With the help of the city of Ashland, Bramscher has secured grants and loans totaling $900,000 from the state Economic Development Department to develop infrastructure to the site, including roads, power and water, so he can construct a $4 million factory, he said. The state grants are based in large part on creation of 85 additional jobs, he added, noting that he expects to have 150 employees by this time next year. Bramscher's firm, Brammo Motorsports, is on track to construct three buildings with a total 48,000 square feet. He made a. $2.8 million offer on the racquet club two months ago, hoping to cut down on construction efforts and noted, "We want the focus to be on business, not building buildings, but we'll build out as planned and continue with other opportunities. The city is working closely with me to develop the site." And now, December of 2010: 'With volume being the key word, Brammo is very close to having its Asian market headquarters in China picked out, while the company is still looking for a location for its brick and mortar presence in Europe." We find the letter of Craig Bramscher of 9/9/10 disingenuous as best, and non-factual at worst. While we understand that this project will not be stopped, short of legal or divine intervenlion; we would like our written objections documented and memorialized for the record. 1 As always, history will prove and judge; our development and stewardship of Ashland, our time, energy, efforts and actions; our concerns for one another, the handling of our finances, care of our earth, and the outcome of not oniy our intents, but the true character, concern and consideration of all matters at hand. Thank you again. Very Truly Yours, Linda Lewis - We seek justice, because the victims can not - Please copy accordingly to & thank you again. Mayor John Strombero Councilor Kate Jackson Councilor Russ Silbioer Councilor David Chapman Councilor Eric Navickas Councilor Greo Lemhouse Councilor Carol Voisin 2